Novalić: Let's act together in the interest of BiH citizens, no one is spared

(Patria) - Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Fadil Novalić addressed citizens today regarding the coronavirus pandemic, announcing what measures can be expected at tomorrow's session of the Government of the Federation of BiH, in an expanded composition.

We are transmitting the Prime Minister's address in its entirety.

"The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, immediately after learning about the appearance of the coronavirus, formed a Crisis Headquarters for the Federation. We have taken all measures and made financial and all other necessary resources available, with the aim of protecting the health of the population of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Civil Protection Headquarters has made all human and material resources available.
However, it is clear to all of us that the consequences of the spread of the coronavirus will not only affect people's health but will also have negative consequences on the economy. Also, it is clear to us that this is a global problem.

I have convened a Government session in an expanded composition for tomorrow. I have invited all ten cantonal prime ministers, the president of the Employers' Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Red Cross of the Federation of BiH, as well as the heads of all competent federal institutions.

What I can say with certainty at this moment is that the payment of pensions is unquestionable, as well as veterans' and other benefits, disability pensions, and all other entitlements paid from the federal budget. I have issued an order to all inspection services to intensify controls and to sanction anyone who wants to profit in such a situation.

The Minister of Trade has prepared a Decision on prescribing measures for direct price control, which the Government will adopt tomorrow. The Decision, among other things, provides for a ban on price increases for the most important food items. We are also prepared to make the Federation's commodity reserves available if necessary.

What is encouraging for now are the reports I have, which is that there will be no disruption in the supply of basic foodstuffs. The Government will also consider a proposal for measures to mitigate the consequences caused by the coronavirus pandemic on the economy at tomorrow's session. The measures will be aimed at preserving and improving the liquidity of the economy and fiscal stimulus measures. They are mostly aimed at preserving jobs and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of necessary goods and services to the population.

Tomorrow, together with the cantonal prime ministers and employers, we will seek ways to help employed parents with children under ten years of age, who are at home these days because classes are not held and they are not going to kindergartens. These are children who have no one to look after them because their parents are employed.

I hereby call on all citizens to have confidence in the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Have confidence in our healthcare system, the Crisis Headquarters, Civil Protection, the police, inspectors, and all those who are already working day and night for the benefit of all citizens and whose help will be necessary in the period ahead. We should be grateful to them, and I especially thank them on this occasion. I am in constant contact with the representatives of the Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija, Fahrudin Radončić, Ankica Gudeljević, and the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković. We are acting together in the interest of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Our close coordination within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is also of great importance. None of us is spared from the danger of this virus. I ask you to limit your movement, behave conscientiously, and follow the orders and instructions of the Government of the Federation of BiH and the Crisis Headquarters," stated Novalić.